The joy of props

In my youth I loved scale models; now I’ve gone and bought some scales. I’m chuffed to bits with them though – £5 on Ebay! I suspect they have graced a market stall or sweet shop in the past, my requirements are altogether more photographic.

I’d set out looking for some baby scales, but they all look either too clinical or featureless. They’re a bit more than a fiver too. Classic kitchen scales are plentiful, but not suitable for my idea – see below.

Nikon D700, 24-70 f/2.8 at 35mm, 1/25 at f/8

I ended up dismantling most of our fireplace to create the background for the shot. In my head this would be on an old oak floor with a pastel background, but the low key effect worked to highlight the little chap well. I’ve cropped a the shot a little in Lightroom, and used the adjustment brush to drop the exposure on the front of the scales by half a stop.

This was my favourite shot as he looks so comfortable – it was a bit of an usual setting for a five week old baby. Next challenge is to use this prop with an older child – suggestions on a postcard!